Re: Summer of Code

[Paul Smith]

On Sat, 2012-03-24 at 22:18 -0400, Martin d'Anjou wrote:
> On 12-03-24 09:29 PM, John Gamboa wrote:
> >> I have just another question: if I really submit my proposal for the
> >> GNU project with a project for GNU Make, is there any chance for me to
> >> be accepted? I ask this because, so far, as far as I can tell, my only
> >> feedback about my chances in GSoC in GNU Make is from an user, like me
> >> (at least you called yourself just a user, right?), and I feel like
> >> creating expectations without being sure even of the minimal things.
> >> So, if there is no chance, I'd like to be warned as soon as possible.

Hi John;

Thanks for your interest in working on GNU make!

Unfortunately it's virtually impossible that I'll have the bandwidth to
be a mentor for a GSoC project.  We tried once before for a GSoC project
and I simply failed to provide enough leadership and guidance to the
project.  The project was completed but even today only parts of it are
included in the GNU make source code, and I feel wholly responsible
because I wasn't able to spend the time necessary with the student to
ensure the result was successful.  I don't want to make that mistake
again, and I need to be more realistic about the level of effort it
takes to be a good mentor, versus the amount of free time I have
available to dedicate to it.

I have no problem with someone else mentoring you, as long as that
person is sufficiently knowledgeable about GNU make and its requirements
and restrictions and current codebase.  Honestly I only know of a few
people like that and from what I've seen they, also, don't have a huge
amount of free time.  However, I could be wrong and I'm certainly open
to ideas.

I hope you can locate a fun and productive GSoC project, whether it's
with GNU make or some other GNU project!

-- 
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 Paul D. Smith <address@hidden>          Find some GNU make tips at:
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 "Please remain calm...I may be mad, but I am a professional." --Mad Scientist